NFSC Blames Marginalisation for Nigeria’s National Teams’ Qualification Failures

By Joseph Odoekwu KSM

LAGOS — The Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC) has blamed what it describes as its continued marginalisation and exclusion from national team activities as one of the factors contributing to Nigeria’s failure to qualify for major international tournaments.

In a letter addressed to the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) Ad-hoc Committee investigating the reasons behind the national teams’ qualification failures, the NFSC argued that its exclusion has weakened organised fan mobilisation, player motivation and home support.

The letter, dated August 16, 2026, was signed by the club’s National Chairman, Rev. (Amb.) Samuel Ikpea.

While commending the NFF for constituting the investigative committee, Ikpea said the NFSC, with more than seven decades of history, has traditionally played an important role as the “12th man” for the Super Eagles and other Nigerian national teams.

“The NFSC has historically served as the 12th man for the Super Eagles and other national teams. Our role in mobilising fans, creating home advantage, boosting players’ morale, and projecting a positive image of Nigeria at home and abroad is well documented,” the statement said.

The supporters’ club also recalled its international recognition, citing FIFA’s commendation of the NFSC as the “Most Behaved Supporters Club” during Nigeria’s debut appearance at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States.

According to the NFSC, the current disconnect between the NFF and the supporters’ body has contributed to poor fan turnout, a lack of coordinated chants and support during qualifiers, and a weakening emotional connection between the national teams and Nigerian supporters.

“Football is not won on the pitch alone. The psychological, motivational, and spiritual support provided by fans through melodious tunes has been central to Nigeria’s past footballing successes,” Ikpea said.

The NFSC therefore called on the NFF and its Ad-hoc Committee to reintegrate the supporters’ club into the planning and execution of national team programmes.

It argued that countries with sustained football success recognise organised supporters’ groups as important stakeholders in building a strong atmosphere around their national teams.

The NFSC said it is prepared to make further submissions to the committee as part of efforts to address the challenges facing Nigerian football and improve the performance of the country’s national teams.